He’s set to make his debut off the bench against Zebre this weekend, so we caught up with loosehead prop Garyn Phillips to hear his views ahead of the game.
“It’s a big opportunity for me, especially with Toby Booth selecting the younger boys and giving them a run out. It’s exciting for me to get out there on the field with some of the players I grew up watching. It would’ve been nice to have family and friends there on my debut but obviously that can’t happen but it’s still something I’m really looking forward to.”
Before moving to the Ospreys, 19-year old Phillips started his rugby journey with Abercynon RFC before playing for his college side Coleg y Cymoedd and moving into the Cardiff Blues academy. He represented Wales at U16s, U18s and U19s level and joined the Ospreys Academy aged 18 years old.
“I started my rugby as a back-row player and moved to the front row at under 16 level. It’s been a great experience for me since moving to the Ospreys, training with the seniors and alongside the likes of Dan Lydiate and Rhys Webb who are players I look up to. They’re big names in rugby so to train and play alongside them is exciting for me.”
“I have great mentors around me here with Duncan and Toby, they’re both really approachable and if you need to ask them anything they’re always there for a chat. I’m very grateful to Toby too for giving me that opportunity to put on the jersey. As well as those two, I’ve had Paul James at the academy who has really helped me in my position.”
Ospreys Head coach, Toby Booth, has spoken about his intention of giving young talent a chance, with Phillips the latest to be given the opportunity to wear the jersey.
“It was good to get a run out last Friday against Cardiff Blues and blow out the cobwebs and get that game time under my belt ready for this weekend’s game.
“It’s going to be a tough encounter, Zebre proved that the last time we played them away. They have a big strong pack especially when it comes to their set piece they like to be pretty dominant so we’re going to have to step up our game and make sure we’re on top of everything.”
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